The much-maligned and poorly-perceived project has been the subject of ire from all motorists of Gauteng, with around 75% of motorists refusing to pay their toll fees. The gantries were meant to rake in the money, but instead, non-compliance has plunged Sanral into billions of rands worth of debt.

“This law is putting businesses at risk as truck drivers working for small businesses could lose their jobs – their licences will be suspended for three years if fines are not paid. During the suspension period, a driver will not be allowed to renew their vehicle licence disc, driving licence card or professional driving permit.”

“The Act is just another way to force motorist to pay for e-tolls. What is clear is that the residents are not prepared to pay for e-tolls and we cannot have a situation where motorists are fined for something which they were not consulted on in the first place.”

Fred Nel

So, how would it work?

All “operator class vehicles” will be fined R500 for every e-toll gantry they pass without paying e-tolls.

Under Aarto, these drivers would also have one demerit point added to their license.

Light motor vehicles, however, will not lose any points. But motorists will be fined R250 for every gantry they pass without paying e-tolls.

What is the Aarto bill?

As we explained earlier in the week, it would take three months for a demerit point to be wiped from your license. So if you commit four offences worth one demerit point each, it would be at least a year before your license would be “clear” again. If you commit two offences at the same time, you only get points for the most “severe” one.